Phillips urges Wales to build

After helping Wales to the RBS 6 Nations title, Mike Phillips has set his sights on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.

The 2009 Lions tourist was integral in Wales' resurgence to defend their Championship crown.

He reckons the achievement was bigger than last season's Grand Slam and has urged Wales to build on their success.

"The title was one to savour because of the way we turned it around," said Phillips.

"Was Saturday better than the Grand Slam games? I think it probably was because so many things just could not have gone any better.

"But rugby is a cut-throat industry. Everyone loves us now, but the players know the score. We know that if we don't carry this on, move on to bigger and better things, the critics will come for us.

"I was really happy with my game throughout the Six Nations, I thought the team went on to perform brilliantly and it was probably the best time I have ever had with the team.

"But you don't just stop there.

"We have not been that far away from beating Australia in the last 18 months and that is still the next step for us...to keep the focus and start beating them, New Zealand and South Africa," he admitted.

"Those sides have great depth of talent and, yes, they are still a level up from us and we must aspire to them.

"There's nothing wrong saying that. We can be proud of what we've done in the Six Nations, but the fact is we have not taken the next step of beating them.

"If we keep our focus and carry on the way we are going, we can start to do that."

But before that Phillips is likely to pull on another red jersey Down Under.

The former Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Ospreys star was the Lions' Test scrum-half four years ago in South Africa and he admits it would be an honour to go on back-to-back tours

"It's only around the corner now, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about it," added Phillips.

"What can I say? I hope to go, it would be a massive honour. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed in the coming weeks."

Having signed a national dual contract earlier in the week, Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will be hoping for a double celebration by leading his country to second place in the NatWest 6 Nations when coming up against France in the final round.

George North inched closer to Shane Williams record of 22 tries in the Six Nations, his brace taking him to third on the list with Gareth Edwards (18) now in his sights. He looks back on a job well done by Wales.

Taulupe Faletau is looking forward to his first game as Wales captain where he will play alongside debutant James Davies in a fresh looking back row against Italy in the NatWest 6 Nations tomorrow afternoon in Cardiff

Head coach Warren Gatland has handed 'world-class' Taulupe Faletau the captaincy for Wales' clash against Italy on Sunday, and believes it is an opportunity for Wales to get even 'more out of him in terms of leadership qualities'

The Wales squad reported back into camp this morning ahead of Sunday's vital NatWest 6 Nations encounter against Italy. Assistant coach Neil Jenkins says the return of Taulupe Faletau is a big plus for the team.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde pays Ireland credit for their victory last Saturday in the NatWest 6 Nations but refuses to get bogged down with the result as there is a bigger picture to think about as well - the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.